The bone was discovered in woodland in Ufford on February 21, with first examination suggesting the bone was human and initial tests proved inconclusive.

Two separate experts have now concluded it is an animal bone.

Luke, who went missing in May 2006, was known to frequent the wood and officers searched the area as part of their ongoing enquiries when the bone was discovered.

Det Supt John Brocklebank from the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team said: “In situations such as this we rely heavily on the advice and assistance from experts who are specialists in their field. We have been told that the bone held a strong resemblance to that of a human humerus bone.

“Further more detailed tests have been carried out and it has been established that the bone was from an animal, and most likely a deer.

“This was always going to be very difficult to establish as we are dealing with a very small fragment of bone and it was essential that we sought the expertise of specialists in order to move the investigation forward.

“Luke’s mother, Nicki Durbin, has been kept fully informed throughout the testing process and understands that these have been necessary and appreciates everything we have done.

“Our job now is to continue with the enquiry to establish what happened to Luke after he went missing in Ipswich after a night out on May 11 2006.”

Anyone with information into Luke Durbin’s disappearance is asked to call the incident room at Suffolk Police Major Investigation Team on 01473 668999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.